Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan’s mobile subscriptions reached 8.48 million in Q3 2025, driven by rising data consumption and rapid growth in 5G adoption. While mobile and broadband usage continued to expand, fixed-line voice services declined, reflecting a broader shift toward digital-first connectivity and increasing pressure on operators to invest in network capacity.
Iraq has reinstated a 20 percent tax on mobile and internet recharge cards to boost revenues and address budget constraints. Critics argue the move shifts the burden to consumers despite legal responsibility resting with telecom companies, raising concerns over service quality, fairness, and fiscal priorities.
Bangladesh has approved the Telecommunication (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, guaranteeing uninterrupted internet access by legally prohibiting shutdowns under any circumstances. The ordinance strengthens telecom regulation, protects data privacy, enhances national security safeguards, and aligns the sector with international standards to support investment and digital resilience.
Ericsson and Zain Bahrain have expanded their partnership to deploy advanced 5G Edge solutions, enhancing network performance with ultra-low latency and resilient connectivity. The initiative will support Industry 4.0 use cases, AI-driven applications, and enterprise digital transformation, reinforcing Bahrain’s ambitions for a future-ready digital economy.
Turkcell has expanded its international roaming services to cover all of Syria, allowing subscribers to use data, messaging, and voice services nationwide without extra fees. Previously limited to northern regions, the move improves connectivity for travelers and reflects Türkiye’s broader engagement in supporting communication access across Syria.
Orange Jordan concluded its YO Ma’ak university tour, engaging students through interactive experiences and promoting youth-focused telecom services. The initiative highlighted flexible plans, free 5G access, and on-ground engagement across major universities, reinforcing Orange Jordan’s commitment to empowering youth and advancing Jordan’s digital ecosystem.
Sama X has received regulatory approval to launch Starlink satellite internet services across Jordan, marking the first phase of its regional expansion. As an authorised Starlink reseller backed by Alghanim Industries, the company aims to deliver high-speed connectivity to enterprises, public sector entities, and underserved communities nationwide.
Bangladesh is preparing to introduce a one-stop digital approval platform for telecom infrastructure under its Network and Licensing Policy 2025. By recognising tower and fibre providers as national connectivity infrastructure and streamlining right-of-way approvals, the country aims to accelerate 4G and 5G rollout, reduce deployment delays, and support digital inclusion and economic growth.
Pakistan plans a major telecom spectrum auction in early 2026 to address network congestion and improve internet quality. The government aims to auction nearly 600 MHz of spectrum, the largest in its history, enabling better 3G and 4G services and supporting the country’s first rollout of 5G, following approval of the framework by the ECC.
Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasized the telecom and ICT sector as a cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. Highlighting Bahrain’s use of modern technologies, he also praised the strong Saudi-Bahraini partnership, noting its continued role in advancing regional cooperation, digital development, and long-term economic progress.